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Jets Prospect Showcase Takeaways: Zhilkin, DiVincentiis Within Reach Of NHL Jump

Winnipeg prospects Dominic DiVincentiis, Danny Zhilkin lead pack as most notable names entering Jets training camp following impressive performances at Prospect Showcase. 

The Winnipeg Jets won both of games of their Prospect Showcase in Montreal over the weekend as they took down both the prospects of the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators. The games provided some interesting topics for fans to explore, heading into training camp later this week on Thursday.  

The two opposing rosters were fierce competition as the Habs brought their best young talent including names like Calder Trophy favorite Ivan Demidov, while the Senators brought a roster with ten players that had played pro hockey, yet the Jets edged out two narrow victories. 

Winnipeg came away with a hard-fought 4–3 victory over Montreal in the first game, thanks in large part to goaltender Dominic DiVincentiis, who turned aside 38 shots and made several clutch saves down the stretch.

Exclusive: Jets Goalie Prospect Domenic DiVincentiis Eyes NHL Debut in 2025Exclusive: Jets Goalie Prospect Domenic DiVincentiis Eyes NHL Debut in 2025Winnipeg Jets prospect Domenic DiVincentiis talks season goals with AHL All-Star Game, Calder Cup and NHL Debut in new exclusive interview with The Hockey News. 

Forward Danny Zhilkin also starred, netting two goals, including the game-winner with just 25 seconds remaining. He would follow up the performances with a pair of assists the following night in the second game of the Showcase. 

The pair of 2022 draft picks for the Jets both got their names noticed due to their impressive performances and will make them players to look out for at training camp. As Demidov made headlines throughout the hockey world for his slick dekes and skill moves that left some Jets falling down, it was free agent invitee Chase Yoder for the Jets that had the best goal of the night, featuring a silky toe-drag around the Habs defender before moving the puck to his backhand and sliding it past the goaltender.

The second game of the showcase was much closer as extra time was needed. Ben Zloty and Jacob Julien scored goals for Winnipeg entering the overtime period but it was Moose goaltender Alex Worthington that stole the show. The free agent invitee followed in the footsteps of DiVincentiis with 36 saves and produced yet another solid performance from a Jets netminder. 

The overtime period lasted just 1:17 as 2022 sixth round pick Fabian Wagner scored the winning goal. The 21-year-old forward saw bright spots last season but eventually finished with 15 points through games of his first pro hockey season last year with the Manitoba Moose. 

A notable Winnipeg prospect in Colby Barlow made an impact with a goal and an assist on Saturday before picking up another assist on Sunday. The Jets 18th overall pick in 2023 will be heading into his first season of pro hockey with the Manitoba Moose and will hopefully be able to produce at a similar rate. 

One of the bitter pieces of news out of the Showcase was Jets prospect Kieron Walton suffered an upper-body injury in the first game and was enough to hold him out of the second game. 

Players like DiVincentiis, Wagner and Zhilkin will now turn their focus to training camp in a few short days and will be names to look out for as to where they land this upcoming season. 

 

Exclusive: Dale Hawerchuk’s Heartfelt Reflections on Winnipeg, Shared Before His PassingExclusive: Dale Hawerchuk’s Heartfelt Reflections on Winnipeg, Shared Before His PassingThe Hockey News has released its archive to all THN subscribers: 76 years of history, stories, and features.
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Cristian Romero ‘so angry’ in past but Spurs future is brighter under Frank

Captain insists club is pulling in the ‘same direction’ at last as Tottenham’s Champions League campaign kicks off

The way that Cristian Romero tells it, there was a kind of rage inside him, an overwhelming desire for Tottenham to be better that sometimes overtook him. The defender could not help himself, he needed to make his views known, but when all of the pieces were put together from last season and into the summer, it was difficult to see that he was planning on staying at the club.

There was the repost of a social media message last September that claimed he was tired because Spurs had not flown him back on a private jet from Argentina duty. Note: reposts can be endorsements. There was the complaint in December that the club’s lack of spending meant they were falling behind Premier League rivals. “You have to realise that something is going wrong – hopefully they [the board] realise it,” he said.

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How NHL scouts view Sharks top pick Michael Misa's performance in Rookie Faceoff

How NHL scouts view Sharks top pick Michael Misa's performance in Rookie Faceoff originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

NHL scouts aren’t sure how good Michael Misa will be in his rookie season. But after watching the Sharks’ No. 2 pick of the 2025 NHL Draft at the Rookie Faceoff, they’re pretty sure Misa has a bright future in the league.

Three scouts, none with the Sharks, spoke with San Jose Hockey Now about Misa’s performance at Rookie Faceoff. The 6-foot-1 centerman had one goal and four assists in just two games, as the Sharks swept the Rookie Faceoff for a second consecutive year.

So, why are these scouts more certain about Misa’s long-term future than what he does in his rookie campaign as an 18-year-old?

“Lots of poise with the puck. Sees plays at elite level,” Scout No. 1 said. “His body control and puck control are high end. Very talented.”

Scout No. 2 echoed that, noting that these are trademarks of some of the best players in the NHL.

“Smart, will be a real good player for a long time,” Scout No. 3 said.

The sum of these skills? San Jose Barracuda head coach John McCarthy, who also helmed the Sharks’ Rookie Faceoff entry, spoke to that: “He sees the ice well, knows where people are, can make plays through tight triangles and tight areas. That’s a very transferable skill to the NHL.”

But this season?

Remember, the 182-pound forward is just 18.

“Doesn’t look NHL size or have explosive speed yet,” Scout No. 1 said.

That’s in contrast to 2024 first-overall selection Macklin Celebrini, who came into training camp NHL-ready in pretty much every way.

Of course, Celebrini was a singular prospect, and development in those areas should come in time for Misa.

Regardless, Misa’s smarts and skills should help him survive among men in the best league in the world. Scout No. 2 thought a Will Smith-like campaign could be in the cards for Misa.

Smith struggled out of the gate last season but finished at almost a point-per-game pace in the second half of the year, just missing out on the All-Rookie Team with 18 goals and 45 points.

If Misa could duplicate that as an 18-year-old — Smith was 19 — that truly would be impressive.

Scout No. 1 also compared Misa to William Eklund, for a more technical reason: “He’s bigger than he looks out there because he skates with deep knee bend and hunched over, similar to Eklund.”

“Should be fine,” Scout No. 3 said of his prognosis for Misa’s upcoming rookie campaign. “But will be easier to say after seeing him in preseason.”

He added the scouts’ consensus after the Sharks dominated the Rookie Faceoff with 14 goals in just two contests: “San Jose is looking good for the future.”

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Rangers Hall Of Fame Goalie Eddie Giacomin Dies At 86

 Andy Marlin-Imagn Images

Legendary New York Rangers goaltender Eddie Giacomin passed away on Sunday at the age of 86. 

Giacomin spent ten seasons with the Rangers from 1965 to 1976, and he’s widely known as one of the greatest and most influential Blueshirts goalies in their franchise history. 

“Eddie Giacomin was an integral member of the New York Rangers for a decade and personified what being a Ranger is all about, both to his teammates and the Blueshirts faithful. You cannot discuss the history of this organization and not immediately think of Eddie,” the Rangers wrote via X. 

“The great Rod Gilbert called him the heart of their team, and we cannot think of a greater honor to bestow on one of the greatest goaltenders to ever play the game. Our thoughts are with Eddie's family, friends and teammates during this incredibly difficult time.”

In 13 NHL seasons, Giacomin recorded a 290-209 record with 96 ties, a 2.82 goals-against average, .902 save percentage, and 54 shutouts.

“The National Hockey League mourns the passing of a true original, Hockey Hall of Famer and beloved New York Rangers and Detroit Red Wings goaltender Eddie Giacomin,” the NHL said in a statement. “One of the first stickhandling goaltenders, Giacomin backstopped the Rangers' surge to the NHL's upper echelon in the early 1970s, reaching four straight semifinals and the Stanley Cup Final in 1972.

“A six-time NHL All-Star who also led the League in games played four straight seasons, Giacomin routinely heard chants of 'Ed-die! Ed-die!' from adoring Madison Square Garden crowds and had his No. 1 retired by the franchise in 1989. We send our condolences to Eddie's family, friends and the many fans he thrilled throughout his memorable career.”

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Carson Benge, Jonah Tong earn 2025 Mets Player Development Award honors

The Mets announced the their 2025 Player Development Awards on Monday afternoon, and outfielder Carson Benge and right-hander Jonah Tong were among those who earned honors.

Benge, the Mets’ first-round pick in the 2024 MLB Draft, earned Player of the Year honors, while Tong took home the Pitcher of the Year Award.

Benge, 22, has been on a meteoric rise through the farm system, beginning the season with High-A Brooklyn and now playing with Triple-A Syracuse. While Benge is slashing .279/.380/.460 across all three levels this season, he was particularly great with Double-A Binghamton, where he slashed .317/.407/.571 with eight home runs and 23 RBI in 32 games, earning a quick promotion to the Triple-A level.

Benge, who ranks as Joe DeMayo’s No. 3 prospect in the Mets system, is likely to make his big league debut at some point in 2026.

As for Tong, he knows all about a quick ascension through the minors. A seventh-round pick of the Mets in 2022, Tong quickly went from a relatively unknown prospect to a major leaguer. He started the 2024 season with Low-A St. Lucie and was with Binghamton by the end of the year.

Tong’s 2025 minor league numbers are staggering. In 20 starts with Binghamton, Tong posted a 1.59 ERA with 162 strikeouts in 102.0 innings. After two scoreless appearances with Syracuse, Tong was called up to the bigs. While his numbers are skewed by a very rough outing against Texas in his latest start, Tong allowed just one earned run on six hits over 5.0 innings in his major league debut against the Marlins.

Additionally, infielder Elian Peña was named DR Academy Player of the Year and LHP Osiris Calvo was tabbed as the DR Academy Pitcher of the Year. Peña, just 17, hit.292/.421/.528 with nine home runs over 55 games in his first pro season. Calvo, who missed all of 2024 due to injury, pitched to a 2.51 ERA in 11 outings.

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New England Revolution fire head coach Caleb Porter after less than two seasons

  • Revs poised to miss playoffs for second straight year

  • Porter oversaw major offseason roster overhaul

The New England Revolution have fired head coach Caleb Porter after less than two seasons in charge.

The decision came after the latest in a season of disappointing results, a 1-1 draw at home to Toronto FC in which the Revs were saved by a last-minute equalizer from Luca Langoni. With four games left in their season, the Revolution seem all but certain to miss the playoffs, sitting 10 points adrift of the final postseason spot.

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What prospect Bryce Eldridge's initial Giants role will be after MLB promotion

What prospect Bryce Eldridge's initial Giants role will be after MLB promotion originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Giants manager Bob Melvin told reporters that top prospect Bryce Eldridge will be the designated hitter in lineups against right-handed pitchers. 

“We just lost a lefty in Dom [Smith], and I think this was always kind of in the back of their minds, the front office minds, if there was a need for him, potentially this would happen,” Melvin explained, “He’s got some power … can hit some homers here [at Chase Field] too.” 

Eldridge, who was selected from Triple-A Monday, made his MLB debut as the Giants’ designated hitter in the lineup’s fifth spot Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. 

“I’ll be DH-ing against the righty starters for the foreseeable future, and I’m going to go in and make the most of it,” Eldridge told reporters before Monday’s game. “I’m feeling good, I’m feeling confident. Everything’s in a good spot right now, and I’m ready to go.” 

The left-handed hitting prospect was riding a seven-game hitting streak when he got the call to join the team in Phoenix against the Diamondbacks. In 66 games played with Triple-A Sacramento this season, Eldridge hit .249 with 18 home runs and 63 RBI.

“All the reports are that he’s swinging the bat really well right now, and we’re looking to increase in production,” Melvin said. 

Eldridge’s slugging success has earned himself a spot in the lineup against right-handed pitching. Across all minor league levels this season, he has hit 21 home runs with a .848 OPS against right-handed pitchers. 

Although the 20-year-old prospect mainly will be used as a designated hitter for the foreseeable future, Eldridge is very confident in his fielding ability at first base as well. 

“I think I could go out and play above-average first base in the big leagues, that’s just how I feel,” Eldridge asserted. “I’ve just been working my tail off to get better every day and I think any of the coaches who I’ve been with this year would tell you that, is that I’ve played a good first [base] over there.” 

Melvin maintains that Eldridge will be used as a designated hitter but also wants to evaluate the prospect at the corner infield position. 

“My message to him is go up there and hit. Right now, it’s going to be DH, we’ll see where it goes.” Melvin detailed. “I want him to continue to play first base, take ground balls at first base, we’ll see where that goes.” 

Rafael Devers started at first base Monday in the first game of the series against the Diamondbacks, his 22nd game started at the position this season.  

Eldridge will be the youngest player to make his Giants debut since Madison Bumgarner in 2010. He is the Giants’ youngest position player since Jeff Ransom in 1981. 

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Lindstein, Pekarcik Hoping To Carry Momentum From Prospect Showcase Into Training Camp And Rookie AHL Season's

A pair of top St. Louis Blues prospects are entering the final stages of their preparation for their rookie AHL seasons with the Springfield Thunderbirds, and strong prospect camp performances from Theo Lindstein and Juraj Pekarcik should allow them to carry the momentum. 

The Blues participated in the Tom Kurvers Prospect Showcase, beating the Minnesota Wild in the opener and dropping their second game in overtime to the Chicago Blackhawks. There was a lot to like on several fronts, including strong play from the Blues' highly rated prospects.

Among the Blues' prospects were five first-round picks, each affecting the games in numerous ways. Otto Stenberg finished with one goal and two assists, Dalibor Dvorsky scored the opening goal in Game 1, Justin Carbonneau scored the game-winner against the Wild and added an assist, Adam Jiricek notched a goal and an assist, and Theo Lindstein was a two-way force.

The Blues have high expectations for their first-round draft picks, and in an event where they needed to stand out, they did just that. 

But now, standing out will become an increasingly difficult task. 

Lindstein will feel that pressure more than most as he makes the highly anticipated jump to North American professional hockey. The 20-year-old defenseman was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, and after a successful seasons in the SHL and with Sweden at the world juniors, it's time for him to embark on his Blues career. 

"That's the next step," Lindstein said at this past season's development camp. "I'm going to come over for camp here in September and do my best here and see what happens. Let's see after camp what happens," said Lindstein back in July during development camp. "It's the third time here and just try to be myself, bring everything in, get to know all the guys that are different here for every year. It's fun to be here. I get to see all the staff and get to know them better, also."

Theo Lindstein (Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images)

Plenty of excitement surrounds the 6-foot-1, 180-pound left-handed defender. He's a smooth skater, using his feet to be effective while defending and as a puck-mover. His high-end two-way abilities could emulate the success Cam Fowler and Philip Broberg have sustained in St. Louis. 

It will be an adjustment for Lindstein, and patience will be the repeated word, but his skillset should translate in the next stages of his career. 

Also making the jump to the next level is 2023 third-round pick (76th overall) Juraj Pekarcik. The 20-year-old forward has looked great in consecutive seasons, taking on different challenges in both. In 2023-24, Pekarcik dominated the USHL, scoring nine goals and 59 points in 43 games with the Dubuque Fighting Saints. This past season witnessed Pekarcik play in the QMJHL, notching 24 goals and 67 points in 53 games with the Moncton Wildcats.

Standing 6-foot-1, 183 pounds, Pekarcik is a pure playmaker, and put it on display at the rookie showcase. He finished with two assists in two games, including a marker on Stenberg's goal against the Blackhawks.

The assist showed what makes Pekarcik special. The Blues stole the puck from the Blackhawks, and Pekarcik flew down the left wing. Using his edges, he avoided a check and attempted a cross-ice pass. When the pass failed, Pekarcik stayed with the puck and found Stenberg open in front of the net. 

Juraj Pekarcik at the podium in the interview room in Nashville at the 2023 NHL Draft.

Pekarcik's North American and professional experience could help him in his transition to the AHL.

"I feel like I've grown a lot," said Pekarcik at the Blues' 2025 development camp. "I improved a lot of things in my game. The coaches there in Moncton helped me a lot, really a lot. I improved in the D-zone most probably. That's what I needed the most. I'm trying to improve everything. My shots on goal. Last year I had nine goals, this (past) year I had 24, so I think I improved that. I'm so happy for it. Yeah, it was a great move. It was. It was my agent and St. Louis Blues' decision, and I was so happy for it. It was a great year for me, great year."

Linstein and Pekarcik headline the newcomers for the Thunderbirds, but the list continues with names such as Jakub Stancl and Quinton Burns. The Thunderbirds will be an exciting team to watch next season with Dvorsky, Lindstein, Pekarcik, and Stenberg set to take on large roles. 

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Luchanko scrimmages, Bonk aka Happy Gilmore and more from Flyers rookie camp

Luchanko scrimmages, Bonk aka Happy Gilmore and more from Flyers rookie camp originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

VOORHEES, N.J. — Some of the Flyers’ big club took the ice Monday morning before the prospects had their second-to-last day of rookie training camp.

The Flyers open main camp later this week and the preseason in six days. We’ll get into that and more below.

‘He definitely belongs’

A good development was Jett Luchanko’s presence in Monday’s informal scrimmage for the big club.

The 19-year-old center has been held out of rookie camp for precautionary reasons. He missed development camp in July because of a groin issue.

Luchanko, who is expected to be available at the start of main camp, broke loose for a breakaway goal Monday.

“He has been dealing with a couple of things,” Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong said. “It’s good to see him back out on the ice there. … He showed some pretty good bursts of speed and some hands. He definitely belongs. I would love to see him push for a spot out of camp. It’s kind of day by day to see what he does over the next couple of weeks, with the preseason games and things like that, to see where he lands.”

The 2024 first-round pick was the biggest surprise of last year’s camp, making the Flyers’ season-opening roster not even two months after turning 18. He got a four-game taste of the NHL before returning to junior hockey.

He has an outside shot to crack the Flyers’ season-opening roster again. If he doesn’t, he’ll head back to the OHL’s Guelph Storm and should play for Team Canada again at the IIHF World Junior Championship.

“That’s something that the guys above me will probably discuss and figure out and then probably loop me into those conversations as a decision is made,” Armstrong said. “I think for the most part, it’s seeing what he does out here and we’ll kind of build out his landscape from there.”

‘Just eat until you’re sick’

Oliver Bonk had a simple and succinct explanation for how he added 15 pounds this summer.

“Just eat until you’re sick,” he said with a smile last Thursday. “No, seriously, you do. You just work out and skate, but it’s more about just downing calories, as many as you can. Just nonstop eating pretty much.”

The 20-year-old defenseman noted how he ate “so much” of Jersey Mike’s Subs this summer while in Voorhees, New Jersey. Apparently he also enjoyed it up in London, Ontario, where he played his junior hockey, even doing a promotional video.

“I noticed his commercial with Jersey Mike’s,” Armstrong said with a laugh. “I thought he was Happy Gilmore doing Subway commercials.”

After being held out of the two rookie games over the weekend for maintenance reasons, Bonk was back on the ice Monday for practice. The 2023 first-rounder is turning pro this season and the improved size should help.

“I really do think it’s good,” Armstrong said. “And he put on good weight; it wasn’t like it was just sloppy weight. He put on some strong muscle mass.

“He didn’t get to play in the couple of games, so I’m really looking forward to him kind of getting out against the big boys and seeing how he can use that mass, that strength and that weight when he’s in those battles in the corner or boxing a guy out at the net front.”

Bonk won a lot with the OHL’s London Knights.

“He’s a great kid,” Armstrong said. “He’s up there probably in my top five.”

Big club tidbits

Tyson Foerster, who is expected to be ready for the Oct. 9 season opener, continued to skate in non-contact fashion Monday. But after the Flyers’ scrimmage, the 23-year-old winger did test things out with some physical reps along the boards against Cam York.

Foerster had surgery this offseason on his elbow to address an infection.

In the scrimmage, Trevor Zegras put a couple of slick moves on display for a breakaway goal.

“He’s just a unique player,” York said in July. “There are guys in the league that have skill and then there are guys that have elite skill. I would say he’s in that elite category. The organization, the fans should all be super excited because he’s a guy that can definitely get you out of your seat at a game.”

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MLB Power Rankings: Brewers, Phillies clinch playoff spots, Mariners surging, races galore

Featured in this week’s MLB Power Rankings, we’ve officially entered clinching season, the Mariners surge into first place, the final spot in the NL Wild Card race is up for grabs, Nick Kurtz hits a baseball which might be mistaken for a UAP, Kody Clemens enjoys the game of his life, and much more.

(Please note these power rankings are a combination of current performance and long-term projected outlook)

Let’s get started!

Note: Rankings are from the morning of Monday, September 15.

1) Milwaukee Brewers

Last week: 1

The Brewers were the first MLB team to clinch a playoff spot, but now they might be without veteran left-hander José Quintana due to a calf injury.

2) Philadelphia Phillies

Last week: 2

The Phillies also clinched a playoff spot on Sunday by virtue of the Dodgers’ win over the Giants, but their magic number is down to one to win the NL East.

3) Toronto Blue Jays

Last week: 3

The Blue Jays finished off a three-game sweep of the Orioles over the weekend, which gives them an exceptional 50-25 record at home this season. Only the Phillies (51-23) has a better record at home in MLB.

4) Chicago Cubs ⬇️

Last week: 6

Anthony Rizzo’s retirement ceremony from Saturday was an absolute blast, and it was even cooler to see him in the bleachers with the fans and participate in the “cup snake.” He almost ended up catching a home run, to boot. Give him a break, he's out of practice.

5) Detroit Tigers ⬇️

Last week: 4

Quite the scare for the Tigers, as ace Tarik Skubal was forced to exit Friday’s start with left side tightness, though he’s currently on track to make his next start.

6) Los Angeles Dodgers ⬆️

Last week: 7

The Dodgers have won six out of seven to pull away from the Padres and now we’ll see a potential playoff preview with a series against the Phillies to begin the week.

7) New York Yankees ⬇️

Last week: 5

Jazz Chisholm Jr. is just one homer away from a 30-30 season, which would make him the third player in franchise history to reach the mark. Alfonso Soriano did it twice (2002, 2003) and Bobby Bonds (1975) are the only others to do it.

8) Seattle Mariners ⬆️

Last week: 12

Winners of nine straight, the Mariners have powered their way past the Astros and into first place in the AL West. Now they’ll hit the road for three against the playoff hopeful Royals before a huge showdown against the Astros in Houston this weekend.

Cal Raleigh hit his 54th homer on Sunday, tying him with Mickey Mantle for the most-ever by a switch-hitter in a single season.

9) Boston Red Sox ⬇️

Last week: 8

The Red Sox avoided a sweep on Sunday night as Garrett Crochet struck out 12 batters over six innings against the Yankees for his 16th win.

10) San Diego Padres ⬇️

Last week: 9

This Padres took care of business by winning three out of four against the MLB-worst Rockies. Perhaps the best sign? Jackson Merrill hit three homers during the series. He’s endured a frustrating sophomore campaign, but it would be a huge lift going into the postseason if he’s locked in at the plate.

11) Houston Astros ⬇️

Last week: 10

For the first time since June 1, the Astros are not in first place in the AL West. This week will be crucial, as they’ll get the Rangers and Mariners at home.

12) Texas Rangers ⬆️

Last week: 13

Speaking of those Rangers, they ripped off six straight wins before taking a loss against the Mets on Sunday. Now comes the biggest series of the season, as they’ll head to Houston for a three-game series against the Astros. Buckle up, everyone.

13) New York Mets ⬇️

Last week: 11

Pete Alonso walked it off on Sunday as the Mets finally snapped their eight-game losing streak. Nolan McLean is doing everything he can to will the Mets to the postseason. His 1.19 ERA is the lowest in franchise history through a pitcher’s first six starts.

14) Cleveland Guardians ⬆️

Last week: 15

The Guardians are seven games over .500 for the first time since late May. They are getting hot at the right time, but is it too late?

15) San Francisco Giants ⬆️

Last week: 16

The Giants lost two out of three to the Dodgers this weekend, but they are still very much alive in the NL Wild Card picture. They’ll embark on a seven-game roadtrip this week, tipping off with a huge series against the Diamondbacks. And just to make things more interesting, the Giants are reportedly calling up top prospect first baseman Bryce Eldridge.

16) Arizona Diamondbacks ⬆️

Last week: 18

Credit to Torey Lovullo and company, as the Diamondbacks are still within spitting distance in the NL Wild Card race despite selling off parts at the trade deadline. That being said, Friday’s game against the Twins will be one they’ll likely wish they had.

17) Kansas City Royals ⬇️

Last week: 14

Six games back in the Wild Card race with 12 games to play. It’s probably not going to happen. Still, we saw a big moment for Salvador Perez as part of Saturday’s loss to the Phillies.

18) Cincinnati Reds ⬇️

Last week: 17

More missed opportunities for the Reds, who were swept by the suddenly-hot Athletics over the weekend. Elly De La Cruz went 1-for-11 in the series and has just one home run over his last 70 games dating back to June 23.

19) Tampa Bay Rays ⬆️

Last week: 20

Like the Royals, the Rays probably have too much ground to make up. Still, there’s reason to watch this club as Junior Caminero is three homers away from tying Carlos Peña’s franchise record with 46 home runs.

20) St. Louis Cardinals ⬇️

Last week: 19

Masyn Winn has officially been shut down for the season as he prepares for surgery to repair the meniscus in his right knee. While the injury hampered him during the second half, he has a real chance to win his first Gold Glove Award this fall.

21) Athletics ⬆️

Last week: 24

Oh my goodness, Nick Kurtz. Feel free to marvel and admire at the longest home run of the season.

22) Miami Marlins

Last week: 22

Sandy Alcantara has completed six innings in six straight starts and holds a 3.09 ERA in 10 starts dating back to July 23.

23) Baltimore Orioles

Last week: 23

Dylan Beavers owns a .440 on-base percentage over his first 24 games (92 plate appearances) in the majors. Only Aaron Judge (22 percent) has walked at a higher clip since Beavers (21.7 percent) made his MLB debut on August 16.

24) Los Angeles Angels ⬇️

Last week: 21

The Angels have been eliminated from the postseason, marking 11 straight years that they have missed the playoffs. That’s the longest playoff drought in MLB. Poor Mike Trout.

25) Atlanta Braves

Last week: 25

Drake Baldwin looked like the favorite for the NL Rookie of the Year Award coming into the month, but he’s just 3-for-36 (.083) over his last 10 games. Cubs right-hander Cade Horton (0.84 ERA over his last 10 starts) might have surpassed him.

26) Minnesota Twins ⬆️

Last week: 27

What a day for Kody Clemens on Friday against the Diamondbacks. His 14 total bases tied Kirby Puckett (August 30, 1987) for the most in franchise history.

27) Pittsburgh Pirates ⬇️

Last week: 26

That’s what I’m talking about. After struggling in his first career start, Bubba Chandler showed exactly why he’s one of the most exciting pitching prospects in the game on Saturday against the Nationals.

28) Washington Nationals

Last week: 28

After slugging 22 homers through the end of June, James Wood has hit just five homers with a .675 OPS over his last 62 games.

29) Chicago White Sox

Last week: 29

If the White Sox can win six of their final 12 games, they’ll manage to avoid 100 losses. That would be a step forward, no?

30) Colorado Rockies

Last week: 30

We’re now in our 33rd season of Rockies baseball. They’ve had plenty of great players in that time and all sorts of offense at Coors Field, but it wasn’t until Mickey Moniak on Sunday that a Rockies player managed four hits, two home runs, and two stolen bases in the same game.

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Bryce Eldridge reveals odd place he received Giants' phone call about promotion

Bryce Eldridge reveals odd place he received Giants' phone call about promotion originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

In an airport, waiting to board a flight back to Sacramento, the last thing the Giants’ No. 1 prospect Bryce Eldridge was anticipating was the call.

The 6-foot-7 slugger had only one thing in mind: getting through the airport’s security line. 

“It (phone) was literally in my bin, next to my bag, belt and whatever else was in there. It was faced up, and my buddy, Thomas Gavello, was standing there and saw it,” Eldridge told reporters on Monday.

What Eldridge didn’t know was that Sacramento River Cats manager David Brundage was about to deliver the highly touted 20-year-old the call. 

“He was like, ‘You should probably take that.’ I was like, ‘Oh, yeah.’ I’m just standing in the middle of security, and it’s like, I’m going to The Show. It was pretty cool,” Eldridge added. 

During the call, Eldridge was notified he was being promoted to the MLB ahead of San Francisco’s pivotal three-game series against the Diamondbacks in Arizona. 

After the news hit, the journey to Arizona began.

“I got out in the middle of the security line, and he was telling me that I was going to come down here,” Eldridge said.

“The rest is history. My flight got delayed until 11 p.m., so I got in at midnight. It was a long night but here we are. It’s time to go.” 

After being slotted into Monday’s lineup, Eldridge looks to join Madison Bumgarner and Matt as the only 20-year-olds to play for the Giants in the last 40 years. 

Eldridge, however, won’t make his MLB debut wearing his preferred gear.

“My baseball gear is on the truck going to Sacramento,” Eldridge said. “Thankfully, my car is at the Papago Complex, and I got some cleats, some bats and batting gloves in there. We’re going to use those tonight and make do with what we got.” 

Eldridge, who batted .249 with an .836 OPS and recorded 18 home runs over 66 games with Triple-A Sacramento this year, added that initially Brundage played it off as if he were headed to Arizona a week early. 

In reality, he wasn’t going to be starting his offseason early at the organization’s complex. Eldridge was making a childhood dream come true. 

“He definitely soft-peddled it,” Eldridge said about his conversation with Brundage. “I was kind of standing awkwardly in the middle of security, so I was waiting around, trying to figure out what this was all about. 
“Obviously, I kind of started to pick up on it a little bit. They had told me the other day that I was going to come here after the season and work on my defense and be in the stay ready camp or whatever it is.

“He kind of played along with that: ‘We’re going to have you go there a week early, but you’re not going to [Papago], you’re going to Chase Field.’ That’s kind of how he did it.”

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Panthers cruise to 6-1 win over Nashville in final game of the 2025 Prospect Showcase

The Florida Panthers wrapped up the 2025 Prospects Showcase in Wesley Chapel, Florida. With less than a week from actual preseason games, there was still business to take care of in the Gulf Coast. Panthers Prospect capped off the final game with a dominant win over the Nashville Predators, 6-0 taking their record to 2-1 for the weekend.

Florida got on the scoring quickly while on the forecheck. Sandis Vilmanis forced a turnover, and the loose puck found Gracyn Sawchyn in the low slot where he dropped it off Vilmanis, and gave Florida the early 1-0 lead 23 seconds into the contest.

It did not take long for the Cats to add on to their lead. A dump and chase worked to perfection as they got their forecheck going again, this time it was defenseman Ludvig Jansson who picked the puck up in the low slot and wasted no time converting past Predators goaltender Jakub Milota at 6:06 of the first.

Minutes before the period ended, Vilmanis was shaken up after colliding at the end boards after going on a solo breakaway after forcing a steal at the Panthers blue line. He would not return to the game.

After the Panthers killed off a penalty, Liam McKlinskey was next to get on the board. He received a long stretch pass from Eamon Powell. McKlinskey got behind the Predators defense, and easily finished the breakaway opportunity at 12:42 of the second period.

The scoring did not stop as Powell received the pass at the point on a low-to-high play from Jack Devine, and his slap shot took a bounce and in 14:48 into the second frame.

Cooper Black completed the 40 minutes not allowing a goal, as showcase invite Louis-Antoine Denault finished off the final 20 minutes.

Just like the first period, the Panthers scored quickly into the third, as Cristophe Tellier finished a breakaway opportunity to make it 5-0 18 seconds in.

It was already a demolition, and it continued just minutes later as Robert Mastosimone used his edge work to get around the Predators defense to be first to the puck in the corner. After working it back to Josh Davies, his shot was deflected off of Masrosimone to pile it on at 1:47 of the third.

The shutout came to an end as the Panthers failed to clear their zone, with a broken stick from Shea Busch, made it more difficult to clear, with the Predators continuing their offensive zone pressure, Nashville retrieved the puck, where shot was originally saved by Denault, but Cole O’Hara cleaned up the loose change to make it 6-1.

Both teams went to a five round shootout following the game, where neither team in any of the five rounds scored.

That’s a wrap from Wesley Chapel as the Panthers gave the Predators their only loss of the tournament. Florida went 2-1 themselves, defeating Carolina, and dropping Saturday’s game to Tampa Bay.

Panthers will meet the media on Wednesday for Media day right before hitting the ice for their first official training camp practice this Thursday in Fort Lauderdale.

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Flyers Rookie Camp: Which Prospects Are Early Standouts?

(Photo: Kirby Lee, Imagn Images)

The Philadelphia Flyers are set to kick off training camp in only a few days, and some of their top prospects are already positioning themselves well for strong seasons.

One more day of practice remains for rookie camp, with Thursday marking the official beginning of training camp.

Defenseman Oliver Bonk returned to the ice with his fellow Flyers prospects Monday, participating in positional drills alongside Hunter McDonald.

Monday's session was mostly nondescript apart for a few drills that saw a combination of forwards and defensemen battle with each other defending and creating off the cycle, starting with retrieving the puck from a corner sent by the coaching staff.

A number of players stayed out late to work on their passing and shooting, including Spencer Gill, Nikita Grebenkin, and Jack Nesbitt.

Grebenkin and Nesbitt were the last two on the ice and cleaned up all the pucks; Grebenkin chipped the pucks up into the air and Nesbitt knocked them down out of the air into the bag.

A nice bonding moment for two of the Flyers' most promising prospects, some would say.

Flyers Prospects Shine in Rookie Camp Day 1, Challenged to 'Make an Impression'Flyers Prospects Shine in Rookie Camp Day 1, Challenged to 'Make an Impression'The Philadelphia Flyers prospects took the ice Thursday to kick off rookie camp, with the top dogs gaining a big head-start and leading the way.

Speaking of Grebenkin and Nesbitt, they were two players who stood out in the eyes of Flyers director of player development Riley Armstrong over the weekend, which featured two rookie series games against the New York Rangers.

"A lot of the guys did what I thought they were going to do. It was good to see them play at that level against other high-end prospects," Armstrong said Monday.

"Denver Barkey, Alex Bump, Grebenkin, [Jacob Gaucher], Gendron, all those guys... you want them to take that step and kind of dominate, and I thought the Friday night game they definitely did that. I thought it was awesome to see all that type of stuff going on, playmaking, the skill really came through."

Grebenkin, 22, finished the weekend with an overtime game-winning goal and two primary assists, while Nesbitt, even though not as productive, was active centering the top line of Bump and Samu Tuomaala.

"You could see when he came here, he had that extra jump in his skating on Friday night. I think, Saturday, guys were generally, on both teams, pretty tired. He was dancing out there," Armstrong said of Nesbitt specifically. "He opened my eyes on how poised he was with the puck, and even his skating. I thought his skating kind of took another step from development camp to here."

Armstrong also named Nesbitt as a wildcard to make some noise during preseason and training camp, even if it's overwhelmingly likely the 18-year-old spends more time in the junior ranks and, perhaps soon, the NCAA circuit.

That says a lot about how the No. 12 overall pick has endeared himself to his peers and coaches in his short time in Philadelphia so far.

"A guy that could surprise, although you know he can go back to junior hockey, would probably be Nesbitt. I really think once he gets out there and starts playing, I think he's going to give himself the best opportunity," Armstrong added. "In the end, probably another year of junior hockey would be best for him, but I really think he's going to really push the envelope. . . He was always at the net mixing it up, pushing guys around, so he kind of has that whole package."

Though he and his line were less effective as a whole Saturday, Tuomaala still forced himself to find a way to make an impact, much to the surprise of Armstrong, who laughed about the Finnish forward's fight.

3 Flyers Prospects with the Most to Prove at 2025 Training Camp3 Flyers Prospects with the Most to Prove at 2025 Training CampIf the Philadelphia Flyers are to make any noise in the 2025-26 season, some up-and-coming prospects will need to steal the spotlight and show some progress.

"I was shocked that he dropped the gloves and stayed in there! I thought he was going to skate away, so it was a surprising moment for myself, but I think that's something he has. He has that in him," Armstrong said.

And then came the kicker that will ultimately be the key to Tuomaala's NHL future, be it with the Flyers or another organization.

"I think sometimes he gets away from his game. Whenever he's engaged in the games, he gets more chances to score, his skill pops out a little more, and when he's not playing like that, he kind of just turns into an average player.

"So, it was good to see him come out hitting guys, finishing checks, being on the forecheck. Hopefully he brings that into main camp and back in the conversation here with all the other guys."

The 22-year-old former second-round pick has grappled with injuries the last few seasons, which undoubtedly has adversely affected his consistency and growth as a player.

Tuomaala does have an intriguing package of speed and skill, though it's unlikely he gets to take full advantage of that in Philadelphia with the talent the Flyers have on the wings, starting with players like Matvei Michkov, Tyson Foerster, Travis Konecny, and Porter Martone.

Like last season, Tuomaala will need to have an impressive fall to get back on the radar, and he's plenty capable.

So far, he and the Flyers' other top prospects have done more than enough to justify their hype in rookie camp and beyond.